September 2011 – Illinois Poaching Investigation - Over $18,000 in Fines with Large Contribution Going to Foundation

Sgt. Laura Petreikis, Illinois Conservation Police,
began a deer poaching investigation in January 2010 in Mercer County. The investigation stemmed from
information obtained from anonymous citizens and an anonymous call to the TIPS Hotline. Four offenders
were arrested at the conclusion of the investigation. Through the investigation, the illegal taking/possession
of 28 deer, rabbits, raccoons, a great blue heron, and a wild turkey were documented. These offenses occurred
from October 2007 - January 2010. The primary offender took animals out of season, from a vehicle, with rifles,
without permits, and with the use and aid of lights at night. Much of the deer he poached went to waste
and/or was utilized in bait piles to hunt coyotes. He utilized fraudulent landowner deer permits and his
father's landowner deer permits. Parts of 11 deer, processed deer meat, hunting and processing equipment, and
6 firearms were seized.

On August 8, 2011, the primary offender pleaded guilty to the following (27 misdemeanors and 1 petty offense)
which occurred on separate dates:

The offender was placed on a 48 month probation and 25 years of conditional discharge (to be served
consecutively), sentenced to 358 days in jail (stayed), ordered to have a psychological evaluation and
any other ordered treatment, and ordered to forfeit all evidence seized. He was ordered to refrain
from hunting, participating in a hunting activity or be in the presence of subjects engaged in hunting or
hunting activities for 15 years. He was ordered to refrain from possessing a firearm for 25 years. His
fines and costs totaled $18,033.00 and included a $10,000.00 donation to the Illinois Conservation
Foundation. The cases involving two co-defendants are pending.